Flying with an infant can feel incredibly daunting. Somehow, my husband and I thought it was a great idea to take three flights with our daughter between 5 and 10 months old. Was it stressful? Yes. Did we survive? Also yes. Along the way, I picked up some life-saving tricks I hope will help your trip go just a little smoother.

Here’s what I learned about prepping, packing, and powering through — with a baby in tow.

What to Pack in Your Carry-On When Flying with a Baby

Success starts with your carry-on. Make it functional, not fancy — you want easy access to what you’ll actually need. I recommend breaking it down into small, grab-and-go pouches:

Diapering Bag:

• Travel changing pad
• Diapers (based on flight length)
• Wipes
• Diaper cream
• Extra outfit

Trust me — no one wants to be stuck in an airplane bathroom for longer than necessary.

Toy Bag: Contain toys in one pouch so you’re not fishing around every 10 minutes. Bring a mix: teether, soft plush, sensory toy, etc.

Feeding Supplies:
Even though I nurse, I always brought a bottle of milk just in case my baby was too distracted to latch. Pro tip: Pack an insulated mug with hot water before boarding. It’s easier (and safer) than waiting for a flight attendant to help while you’re juggling everything.

Pumping Supplies:
If you might need to pump, keep your pump, breast milk bags, and Medela quick clean wipes handy. Even if you don’t plan to pump on board, better to be prepared!

Baby Food + Teething Snacks:
For babies 6+ months, food is both entertainment and distraction. Pick something they enjoy that also soothes sore gums.

Medicine + Comfort Items:
Pack infant Tylenol, teething rings, pacifiers (plural — they will disappear), burp cloths, and a swaddle or nursing cover (which can double as a blackout curtain).

Airport + Airplane Tips for Flying with a Baby

• Check the TSA guidelines for traveling with breast milk — you’re allowed to carry more than the 3 oz limit, but always check the TSA website directly.
• Change the diaper before boarding. I cloth diaper, but some parents love overnight disposables for extra absorbency.
• Don’t stress over bag limits — diaper bags, breast milk, and pumps often don’t count toward your carry-on limit (confirm with your airline).
• Bring snacks + water for YOU. If you’re starving, everyone’s miserable. Take care of yourself so you can care for baby.
• Wipe everything down — your baby will lick the tray table. And the seatbelt. And your shoes.
• Sleep is possible. We managed a nap mid-flight by feeding her fully, using a white noise app, and putting her in a sleep sack.
• Stick to wake windows as best you can, but trust your instincts — travel is exhausting for babies too.
• Plan feeds for takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure. You may need to split feeds to make this work based on timing.

After You Land

Change your baby right after the flight — don’t wait until you’re stuck in traffic. Then take a deep breath, because you did it.

Flying with a baby is brave, exhausting, and often chaotic — but preparation goes a long way. The goal isn’t to make sleep progress or keep your routine perfect. It’s to survive the trip with your sanity intact, maintain your baby’s rhythms as much as you can, and return home ready to reset.

And if it’s not perfect? That’s okay too. You’ve already done the hardest part: getting on the plane.

To sleeping (& traveling) well,
Sara